Apogee has long provided a range of audio professionals with tailored interface choices, from the portable Duet [Tape Op#150] and Symphony Desktop [#142] to the flagship Symphony I/O Mk II [#140]. Their latest addition, the Symphony Studio series, smartly fills the gap with single rack space interfaces...
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Soundtoys: Space Blender Reverb plug-in
REVIEWED BY Larry Crane
Read MoreI love effects that take a sound, morph and modulate it, creating whole new textures. Valhalla's Shimmer [Tape Op#111] plug-in has been a favorite of mine for creating Brian Eno [#85] soundscapes out of almost anything. I'm always on the lookout for any tools that feature various ways to drench...
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Wolff Audio: FREQ 500 Series 4-band EQ
REVIEWED BY Andy Hong
Read MoreEach year, more examples of vintage-inspired EQs, compressors, preamps, and mics are made available. Big-name brands, as well as boutique manufacturers, seem to think we all have an endless appetite for clones of classic gear. Consequently, contemporary designs of bread-and-butter products are rarely...
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PSPaudioware: DRC plug-in
REVIEWED BY Garrett Haines
Read MoreThe PSPaudioware DRC dynamic range controller is one of the most noteworthy plug-ins I have seen in a long time. Using the dbx 118 Dynamic Range Enhancer as a foundation, the DRC is neither a clone nor an emulation. Enhanced controls offer users deeper adjustments than the original, however, the extra...
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Gamechanger Audio: Motor Synth MkII
REVIEWED BY Dana Gumbiner
Read MoreThe Motor Synth MkII from Gamechanger Audio is, by some margin, the most original synthesizer design I've seen (and heard!) in some time. It's a desktop unit that generates audio waveforms via its eight variable-speed internal drone motors – that's "drone" as in UAS/UAV/quadcopter....
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Hendyamps & Brainworx: The Oven analog processor & plug-in
REVIEWED BY Joe Finocchio
Read MoreOn some level, everyone is susceptible to the dreaded panacea syndrome when it comes to adding tools to their workflow. “If I only had this one piece of gear, all my problems would be solved!” The Oven “Mojo Box” analog processor by Hendyamps and its plug-in counterpart by Brainworx (distributed by...
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Newfangled Audio: Articulate transient plug-in
REVIEWED BY Larry Crane
Read MoreWhen I try to teach what compression is and how to use it, I'll always use the "shape of a waveform through time" as a way to explain what compression can do. In the synthesizer world, this is referred to as the "envelope," which includes four stages of modulation: Attack, decay,...
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AKG : C414 XLS microphone
REVIEWED BY Geoff Stanfield
Read MoreThe ubiquitous AKG C414 mic has been manufactured in various forms since 1971. I’ve reviewed the modern day C414 XLII [Tape Op#154] and given it high marks, so when the opportunity to check out its sibling microphone, the C414 XLS, came up, I jumped at the chance. Both of these large diaphragm multi-pattern...
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Lewitt Audio: Space Replicator plug-in
REVIEWED BY Adam Kagan
Read MoreLEWITT, the respected Austrian manufacturer known for its microphones and audio interfaces, has released its first plug-in: Space Replicator. Designed for headphone use, Space Replicator lets users experience how their audio would sound when played through speakers in various virtual environments. Unlike...
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Bitwig: Connect 4/12
REVIEWED BY Dana Gumbiner
Read MoreThe Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a versatile desktop audio USB-C interface that provides four inputs and twelve outputs, along with CV (control voltage) I/O and MIDI capabilities. It also sports some cool monitor and DAW control features, not to mention a special Bitwig Mode that sets it apart when used with...
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Soyuz Microphones: The Launcher Deluxe stereo in-line preamp
REVIEWED BY Stefan Konstantopoulos
Read MoreMy first experience with Soyuz products in 2021 was brief but memorable. I still recall the smooth, rich sound of the 017 FET condenser and its distinctive aesthetic heirloom-quality construction. When I heard about The Launcher Deluxe, I wondered if it could offer the classy vintage vibe and meticulous...
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SPL: Phonitor 3 DAC headphone amp & monitor controller
REVIEWED BY Tony Vincent
Read MoreA couple of years ago, I moved my studio, SoundShop370, from Manhattan to South Nashville. Since then, I’ve been refining my setup, making sure every piece of gear I use is intentional, functional, high-quality, and built for long-term reliability. Headphones have always played a role in my workflow,...
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Audeze: LCD-S20 closed-back headphones
REVIEWED BY Geoff Stanfield
Read MoreI have been a big fan of Audeze headphones for years and have enjoyed auditioning and reviewing almost everything in their line. Their open-back LCD-X [Tape Op#119] and MM-500 headphones are used daily in my studio for mixing, and I recommend them to anyone looking for an accurate playback complement...
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Drawmer: Drawmer: MQ-1 and MQ-2 Equalisers
REVIEWED BY Garrett Haines
Read MoreOne afternoon at a TapeOpCon, I was debating equalizers with Rupert Neve [Tape Op #26, #87] when hotel staff endeavored to move four loads of folding tables in a single trip. Basically, a seven-foot Jenga on wheels. Upon taking the corner too fast, the whole thing went caddywompus faster than I...
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Audio-Technica: ATH-R70xa, ATH-R50x, ATH-R30x open-back headphones
REVIEWED BY Andy Hong
Read MoreI’m going to start this review describing an exemplary unboxing experience, which speaks to Audio-Technica’s all-encompassing attention to detail. All three models of the company’s R-Series open-back headphones are packaged in precisely-assembled cardboard boxes. The ATH-R30x and ATH-R50x models unveil...
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API: API: ASM164 Analog Summing Mixer
REVIEWED BY Kurt Kurasaki
Read MoreAutomated Processes, Incorporated, popularly known as API, has a rich history spanning over half a century. Since their first consoles were installed in 1967, API has developed new technologies, established important pro audio standards, and contributed to the production of many great records. Building...
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AMS Neve: 88C VCA dual compressor/limiter
REVIEWED BY Daniel Ryan Morse
Read MoreVCA compressors are generally fast. Almost any other observation about them would depend on which one you’re talking about. Some are fairly transparent while nonetheless adding excitement to sources. Others – I’m thinking primarily of the API 2500 bus compressor [Tape Op#52] and the dbx 160 – are sought...
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AEA: 1029 VCA compressor
REVIEWED BY Scott McDowell
Read MoreI was delightfully surprised when I happened upon the new 1029Stereo VCA Compressor from AEA. Isn’t the company best known for its great collection of ribbon mics? AEA’s incredible mics are a 21st century studio standard. My partners and I have eight of their ribbons living in our mic closet right now....
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Dante Fumo, editor: Harmonic Content (magazine)
REVIEWED BY Larry Crane
Read MoreSubtitled a zine about sound, this mag includes a wide array of people and thoughts and features an arty screen-printed cover. Within its 21 pages, the first issue has an interview with Tape Op pal Matt Boudreau of Working Class Audio, an article with Kirsten Izer and Randy Belculfine discussing "Healthy...